March 3rd 2011
Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing
Attendance
Terri Adams Andrew Anzalone
Diane Ballek Sandra Bigitschke
Kate Brennan
Jean Carubia Barbara Coleman
Joseph Conley Stephen Cooper
Emilia Crotty David DeCicco
Lisa Deller Mary English
Kenneth Greenberg Richard Gundlach
Anne Hart Rev. Joseph Jerome
Mohammed Choudhury Jewel Tom Kalamaras
Dominic Lippolis Guadalupe Marzana
Gregory Matos Donald McCallian
Taina Hernandez McShane Dorothy Morehead
Patrick Murray Patrick O’Brien
Evan O’Neil Norberto Saldana
Lauren Springer Carol Terrano
Karolina Tosi Al Volpe
Robert Wilkanowski
Absentees
Bernard Callegari Thomas Casey
Bessie Cassaro Don Dodelson
Brian Flynn Luis Jimenez
Ellen Kang Marie Konecko
Sheila Lewandowski Rita Manton
Gertrude McDonald Moitri Chowdhury Savard
Community Board 2 Staff
Debra Markell Kleinert, DM Mary Ann Gurrado
Guests
Ed Babor, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney’s office
Welland Fuller, Assemblywoman Margaret Markey’s office
Syed Ali Ameer, Assemblyman Michael Den Dekker’s office
Joe Kenton, Community Board 2 Liaison; Councilperson James Van Bramer’s office
Claudia Filomena, CAU Mayor’s office
Officer Yossef, NYPD, 108th Precinct
Sam Goldman,
Elizabeth Daley,
Gustavo Libreres Arthur Weiner
Christian Murray Vincent DeMartino
Patricia Dunphy Tina Stare
Mary Tibaldi Rob Basch
James Bray Rebecca Henely
Howard Pollack John Bittner
Arthur Rosenfield Bumak Can
Metin Mangut Eritan Bahceci
Dorothy Endphelt Michael Halpin
Maureen Galligan Dorothy Kominsky
Tom Ryan Jean Claude Calvet
Raluca Pascal Lavinia Pascal
Eva Bard Jillian Arnot
M. Geyer M. Dan Bach
Rose Tibaldi Matt Quigley
Joe Gurrado Jooran Bhatt
Cynthia Via L. Tores
Michelle Peglau Tom Smith
Penny Lee
Agenda
Pledge of Allegiance
Comments by Public Officials/Guests Speakers
Presentation by Speaker Christine Quinn; State of the City
Mr. Conley expressed his pleasure in introducing two partners that have worked very hard for the City.
Mr. Conley introduced Councilperson James Van Bramer.
Councilperson Van Bramer greeted the audience and introduced Speaker Quinn. Councilperson Van Bramer commended Speaker Quinn’s dedication, hard work and love for the communities in
Speaker Quinn thanked Mr. Conley for all of his hard work as Chairperson of Community Board 2 and expressed gratitude for her invitation to this Meeting.
Speaker Quinn spoke about several items that were proposed within her State of the City speech, which was presented in February and about her goals for the next year. Speaker Quinn spoke about the City’s plan for the Ferry in Hunters Point. This was an idea that was proposed within a State of
City and State Budget
Speaker Quinn spoke about current State budget negotiations. She said that City Council Members would travel to
City Contract Budget
Speaker Quinn explained that one of the items proposed to be cut is the City contract budget. This budget funds the hiring security guards, computer consultants, etc. and has grown at a significantly faster rate than any other portion of the Budget. Speaker Quinn explained that if the City held this portion of the budget constant, the City would save $100 million dollars, which is the equivalent of 1,700
Capital Budget Cuts
Initially, the Mayor had proposed a 20% to cut the capital budget but that has now been modified to 10%. Speaker Quinn stated that this would be a terrible idea. She explained that in addition to maintaining parks, schools, libraries, etc., the capital budget employs 55,000 New Yorkers. This would be the remaining portion of the construction industry that continues to thrive therefore; the City cannot afford to put 10% of those employees out of work.
Speaker Quinn explained that cutting the capital budget does not save money in the present time; it would save money a decade from now when debt service is due to be paid on that borrowed money. Speaker Quinn proposed an alternative. If, a decade ago, the City took 1/10 of the capital budget, (approximately $1 billion dollars), and paid debt services throughout that decade, there would be $500,000,000 less debt in the City’s deficit. That is the cost of ½ of the Department of Sanitation’s salaries. Speaker Quinn stated that this formula should begin now and begin to move to a Pay-as-you-Go formula. In the long-term, the same amount of money would be saved as when cutting 10% of the capital budget.
Small Businesses in
Speaker Quinn spoke about modifications to how
The Speaker said that the City has launched a pilot program in which opening dates for 200 small restaurants have been reduced by three months. A similar idea has been implemented for all businesses at anytime, not only for opening dates. Speaker Quinn spoke about a new program called NYC Business Link. By calling 311, a business owner will be connected with a Business Link Coordinator. The Coordinator will help the business owner to navigate the system. The Coordinator would also contact the business owner three months before permits were to expire. The navigation process between the Coordinator and the business owner would begin again. Speaker Quinn explained that this program is currently under construction and that it should demonstrate that the City understands how customer service matters.
Speaker Quinn spoke about the issuance of tickets being one of the largest complaints from New Yorkers to the City. She discussed the exorbitant fines for
Speaker Quinn spoke about a proposal that would be introduced regarding the City’s ticketing policies. In the instance where a constituent receiving a parking ticket while feeding the Muni-Meter and the Traffic Enforcement Agent refused to tear-up or cancel the summons, it has been proposed that the constituent would present the Muni-meter receipt to the Traffic Enforcement Agent; the TEA would compare the time on the receipt to the time the summons is/was issued and the TEA then must tear-up/cancel the summons.
Street Cleaning Debate
Speaker Quinn spoke about feedback from residents regarding street cleaning. The debate from resident is whether or not to continue with street cleaning in some neighborhoods. In some neighborhoods, Community Boards would be authorized to decrease or reduce street cleaning rules to once a week. This would enable residents to refrain from moving vehicles daily.
Mandate an Interactive On-Line Map
The map would reveal the location of construction, modified parking rules, film production, etc. This would allow constituents to become aware of unavailable parking in specific locations.
Speaker Quinn commended and thanked Community Board Members for their dedication, devotion and countless hours volunteered in order to make their communities a better place.
Q 60 Bus Stop
Mr. Conley described the Community’s concern about the DOT’s relocation of the Q60 bus stop, which was moved two blocks away from the
Speaker Quinn announced that Councilperson Van Bramer has successfully intervened with the Department of Transportation and that the bus stop has been relocated back to the original site.
Speaker Quinn explained that this is a wonderful example of neighborhood activists and dedicated Community Boards. It is important to have elected officials involved.
Update for September 11th Trial Proposal to be held in
A Board Member inquired about updated information with regard to where this trial would be held.
Speaker Quinn said that she did not have updated information from the Federal Government with regard to this trial. She spoke in opposition to holding the trial in
Real Estate Tax
A Board Member asked whether City Government could be influential with Banks’ strict Transfer Tax policies.
Speaker Quinn spoke about how 25% of
Speaker Quinn also spoke about a new Program, Credit Ready, which was launched by
Public Hearing
Application; Department of City Planning
Sunnyside/Woodside Rezoning (110207 ZMQ, 11208 ZRQ, 110209 ZRQ). DCP has undertaken the Rezoning of the Sunnyside/Woodside Area. The Study Area consists of approximately 130 Blocks and 2,800 Lots. It is generally bounded by 39th Street to the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway from west to east and from Broadway to the Long Island Expressway/Brooklyn-Queens Expressway from west to east and Rezoning Area is roughly bounded by the Sunnyside Rail Yards at 37th Avenue; the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway; the New York Connecting Railroad; 72nd Street; Woodside Avenue; Roosevelt Avenue; 48th Avenue and 39th Street. The Area is served by the No. 7 Elevated Train above
Tom Smith of the Department of City Planning presented the final rezoning plan for Sunnyside/Woodside to the Attendees.
Mr. Conley commented the gas station site on
Mr. Conley spoke about development of residential homes on
Mr. Conley spoke about
Mr. Conley explained that Community Board 2 has been working to modify zoning in the District for many years and commented on architects that “stray” away from zoning laws. As such, Community Board 2 would like the Rezoning to be in place before the housing development market peaks again.
Mr. Conley asked Mr. Tom Ryan to repeat his question and comment regarding a section of Woodside (the northwestern corner of
Mr. Smith of the Department of City Planning stated that this concern had been presented to his Director at DCP and that the Department of City Planning reviewed the location under discussion. Mr. Smith explained that the location Mr. Ryan has expressed concerns for is located in an R-6 Zoning District. Mr. Smith stated that an R-6 District would be much more likely to be redeveloped. Mr. Smith explained that if this location had been added to the current Project, it would have prolonged the rezoning process.
Mr. Smith explained that the DCP reviewed this location with the Community Board, and it was understood that the DCP would revisit this location in the future.
Mr. Ryan spoke about how this area has been a concern for years.
Mr. Smith entertained questions from Board Members. Mr. Smith entertained questions from Attendees.
This item would come back to the Land Use Committee. It would be voted on at the Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing in April. Mr. Conley encouraged Attendees to submit concerns or questions to the Community Board offices.
AND
Application; Landmarks Preservation
In the Matter of a Landmarks Preservation Application,
Mr. Mitchell, Architect for the owner of this property, spoke about the proposed modifications. Mr. Mitchell stated that the Applicant proposes to replace existing aluminum windows that were installed in 1989. The Applicant proposes to replace the windows with similar windows that would maximize the glass opening. The Applicant was required to present this application to the Landmarks Commission since the windows installed in 1989 were approved at a hearing of the full Landmarks Commission. The current installation would not meet current guidelines, which require a molding that would reduce the glass opening.
According to Mr. Mitchell, the modification from aluminum to wood would be acceptable to the Applicant however; the question of the replications of historic details of the adjoining buildings was discussed. Those buildings have replaced original windows with aluminum windows and historic details were removed. There was discussion regarding not actually restoring historic details but replicating historic details.
The Applicant’s representative encouraged Board Members to approve this Application and allow the owner to replace the windows with similar windows that have already been approved.
There were no questions from Board Members for the Applicant.
Public Comment
Maureen Galligan
Ms. Galligan is a resident of
Ms. Galligan referred to an Air-Quality Study conducted by the Health Department in 2008/09 and spoke about the increase of population expected in that area. She commented on the need for vigilant street cleaning and spoke about the possibility of increased pedestrian traffic and the benefits for local businesses.
Mr. Conley stated that in the past, residents of Hunters Point were very resistant to Alternate Side of the Street Parking. That has changed. Mr. Conley stated that the Community Board is working to introduce this issue again to this community. The Community Board is seeking to have cleaner streets and a more active parking turnover in the community.
Board Member, Ms. Terrano inquired about a law that residents are responsible for with regard to resident responsibilities to clean the streets 18 inches from the curb. Ms. Terrano asked why this law is not enforced. Mr. Conley stated that this law is enforced within that community. The Community Board has been communicating with the Department of Sanitation.
A Board Member spoke about traffic pollution, truck deliveries, etc. on
Dorothy Kominsky
Ms. Kominsky agreed and acknowledged that she spoke inappropriately at the December 3rd 2010 Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing. She said that she had been displeased that Mr. Conley commented on her “disappointing conduct and appalling manners” before Community Board Members and Attendees at that Meeting. Ms. Kominsky requested a copy of the Public Speaker’s Minutes from that Meeting and a copy of the Community Board By-Laws. Ms. Kominsky would like to research whether her rights were violated during the past 40 years of attending Community Board Meetings. Ms. Kominsky expressed an opinion about how she would like Mr. Conley to step down as Chairperson of Community Board 2.
Tom Ryan
Mr. Ryan was in attendance to discuss the Sunnyside/Woodside Rezoning Issue. He spoke about the northwestern corner of
Jean Claude Calvet
Mr. Calvet spoke about the Department of Sanitation. He stated that he has contacted the DOS via e-mail on numerous occasions and that trash collection has decreased aside from the snow cancellations. Mr. Calvet also contacted 311 regarding this problem. Mr. Calvet spoke about
Mr. Conley explained that the rear-yard collection has been brought to his attention from other residents.
Ms. Terrano spoke about how the DOS has been belligerent toward residents seeking trash collection during the past few months. Ms. Terrano spoke about “employee retaliation”.
Board Meeting
Attendance
Present-37; Absent-12
A Quorum was Present at this Meeting
Approval of Minutes
A Motion was made to Approve the Minutes for the January 2011 Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing. The Motion was Seconded. The Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Conley reminded Board Members that the February Monthly Meeting was cancelled due to weather conditions. Board Members’ attendance records would not be affected.
Chairperson’s Report
Board Member, Ms. Carol Terrano
Mr. Conley announced that Queens Borough President, Helen Marshall recognized Ms. Terrano’s 10 Years of Community Board Service.
Congratulations Carol!
Mr. Conley announced that P.O. Yossef has been working with the Community Board with regard to the
This has become a continuous issue in the area. The Community Board has received numerous complaints from residents and businesses. The streets have become inundated with parked vehicles without any license plates. The NYPD has been towing cars from this area. Mr. Conley spoke about the Aggressive Tow Program via the NYPD. He has also contacted the DOS police.
Hart Playground, Woodside
Mr. Conley spoke about a recent meeting regard this location. Mr. Conley stated that the City of
Mr. Conley explained that Hart Playground has become a prime location for social services.
Mr. Conley stated that activities affect the quality of life for users of the playground and residents in and around Hart Playground and within that community would be monitored.
Pothole Repair
Mr. Conley spoke about sections of
O’Connor Partners BSA Hearing
Mr. Conley reminded Board Members that a recent vote by Community Board Members was in Opposition to the BSA Application by O’Connor Partners to de-couple the development plan in order to allow the construction of either the market rate housing or student housing component first. The Community Board vote against the Application because they had changed the proposal from market rate housing with a Graduate Student and Faculty Residence to a project that included undergraduate housing.
The Community Board took a bold stand. Mr. Conley spoke about objections submitted by Board Members and community members, who attended the BSA Hearing.
The BSA reviewed the Community Board’s recommendations and comments and the Applicant was informed that de-coupling was denied; development of both buildings must occur at the same time. This was a request of the Community Board. The BSA recognized that the BSA variance was granted initially, for the purpose of developing Graduate Student Housing. The BSA explained that this is what should be developed or the Applicant must go back to the Board.
Vision Meetings
Mr. Conley spoke about setting tasks.
The Department of Transportation would be invited to come before the Board to explain why two-hour meters would not be implemented or added along
The ratio of hourly parking meters under the El of the No. 7 train has been a request of the Community Board for months. There are too many long-term parking spaces. This is hurting local businesses.
Mr. Conley spoke about the increased number of vacant storefronts within the community.
Sunnyside Arch
Mr. Conley stated that the Arch would be maintained by the Sunnyside Shines BID.
The Arch would be lighted differently throughout the year.
PS 78
Mr. Conley spoke about Community Board Member, Robert Wilkanowski’s efforts for the addition of a playground.
Bus Depot Rally
Mr. Conley encouraged all to attend this Rally; the northeast corner of
The community is opposed to this Depot since we have our fair share of City Agencies in this community and the Rally would demonstrate the community’s opposition for another Depot.
District Manager’s Report
There were no reports offered at this Meeting.
City Planning Report
Certified Applications
These Applications were discussed at the February Land Use Committee Meeting.
Three Applications were certified on Monday, February 28th 2011. There were two Site Selections Applications and one Acquisition Application was submitted by the FDNY.
One Application is for the FDNY to acquire the property occupied by the Back-up Transmitter, which is located on the
The Site Selection and Acquisition Application has been certified for the FDNY’s Technical Services warehouse near
The third Application was submitted by DEC. This Application was submitted for the modification of required parking associated with the redevelopment of the former Queens Plaza Municipal Garage.
HPD and DCP Meeting
There was discussion about the upcoming design process for the two buildings that a developer was recently designated for Hunters Point South. The design process has begun.
It was recommended that the Board invite HPD, DCP and the developer to an upcoming Land Use Committee Meeting. The City is obligated to close on this property by the end of June 2012. There is approximately a 9-month period available for comments.
The infrastructure portion of the Project has been scheduled to begin on March 15th 2011. The Park Bids are due approximately March 10th. Construction should begin during the summer months. The East River Ferry Service is expected to begin in the spring.
Questions were entertained.
Committee Reports
Environment Committee
City Parks Foundation Project List
Ms. Morehead announced that Community Board 2’s Dutch Kills Project has been listed as No. 1 within the CPF Project List. This is primarily due to the vast turnout of students from
Ms. Morehead stated that the Hudson River Foundation will wait for the City Parks Foundation to announce the Projects being funded before the HRF awards funding.
Ms. Morehead spoke about the extensive Application submitted for the Dutch Kills Project.
NYSERDA
Ms. Morehead spoke about a recent meeting. Ms. Morehead was not in attendance for this Meeting but would forward an update. Ms. Morehead spoke about funding for Queens and
Waste Management Trucking within the Community
Mr. Conley spoke about a Green Technology Plant for recycling asphalt in the community that is being operated by the State. Mr. Conley spoke about air-quality. Mr. Conley reminded Attendees that this addition was not announced to the Community Board, Assemblywoman Nolan or Councilperson Van Bramer’s office.
Mr. Conley invited all to attend a Rally.
Brownfield
Ms. Morehead announced that the current consultant has not been productive. The current contract would be terminated and a new contractor would be chosen.
Ms. Morehead spoke about sea walls that deteriorate beyond repair.
Transportation Committee
Mr. Conley offered an update regarding a Meeting with Transportation Alternatives.
Transportation Alternatives discussed efforts to improve traffic and pedestrian safety along
The Transportation Committee has requested that Transportation Alternatives review specific locations that are prone to bottlenecking such as
Land Use Committee
Vote on the Land Marks Preservation Application;
Ms. Deller summarized discussions from the last Land Use Meeting regarding this Application.
Ms. Deller explained that the Landmarks oversight of the historic details was “loose”. Landmarks allowed for substitutions that were not architecturally reflective of the historic features from that period. Therefore, the Application that was approved in 1989 by the Landmarks Commission allowed for the current windows at this address. The current Landmarks Commission reviews these Applications more vigorously and recommended that the Applicant present the proposal at a full Landmarks Commission hearing.
The Land Use Committee discussed this item thoroughly with the Mr. Mitchell. The Land Use Committee voted to oppose Mr. Mitchell’s proposal since the Land Use Committee prefers that the appropriate historic window design with historical materials be installed.
A Motion was made to oppose this Application until the Applicant offer more architecturally appropriate window designs including the materials that would be applicable to that time period, to the Community Board. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 21 Opposed 5 Abstention 5
Chairperson present but not voting
The Land Use Committee would write a letter to the Landmarks Preservation Commission regarding this Application and the Community Board’s vote.
Hunters Point South Construction Update
Ms. Deller offered and update regarding a presentation offered at the last Land Use Committee regarding this item.
Landmarks Presentation at the Land Use Committee
Ms. Deller stated that Members of the LPC would attend the April Land Use Committee Meeting. There have been concerns expressed by residents of
Sunnyside/Woodside Rezoning Proposal
Mr. Tom Smith, Department of City Planning would attend the April Land Use Committee Meeting regarding this item.
Health & Human Services Committee
Chairperson for Health & Human Services Committee, Ms. Terrano was not in attendance for the last Committee Meeting. Ms. Terrano stated that there was an excellent report within Board Members’ packets discussing ACQC Grants and Funding.
City Services & Public Safety Committee
Mr. O’Brien announced that the next monthly Meeting has been schedule for Wednesday, March 9th 2011.
Previously Proposed Gentlemen’s Club in
Mr. O’Brien explained that this proposal has been reformulated with different owners; although, Mr. O’Brien believes that the owner of the previous proposal is one of the current principles.
The Applicant’s have not filed with the State Liquor Authority. The principles and representatives would be present at the March Committee Meeting. Mr. O’Brien invited anyone interested to hear the presentation, to attend the Meeting.
Old Business/New Business
Mr. Arthur Rosenfield
Mr. Conley commended Mr. Arthur Rosenfield for his assistance with regard to keeping the
Mr. Conley stated that Mr. Rosenfield video tapes meetings, attends many hearings and has been a great advocate for the community.
A Representative of this Church would be meeting with Mr. Conley to discuss the use of this location for meetings and youth organizations.
Mr. Conley spoke about the beautiful interior of this location.
This Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted by:
Cheryl Sinnott
The next Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, April 7th 2011.
VOTES
March 3rd 2011
Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing
Land Use Committee
Vote on the Land Marks Preservation Application;
A Motion was made to oppose this Application until the Applicant offer more architecturally appropriate window designs including the materials that would be applicable to that time period, to the Community Board. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 21 Opposed 5 Abstention 5
Chairperson present but not voting
